How often do you request copies of medical records?

I've been seeing my neuro since January. I just picked up a copy of my records yesterday (up to my next to last time I saw him. I'm assuming it takes a couple weeks for transcripts to make it into the records?) Basically it is not much more then transcripts of each visit, and also copies of lab reports. I requested it mainly because I'm still sort of in Limbo (doctor said it is MS, then decided there is not enough evidence due to a clear MRI, so he is 70% sure it is MS but he took back the diagnosis...my records say "symptoms suspicious for demyelinating disease").

We have seasons passes to a local amusement park, which is about 2 hours away. I'm having a lot of difficulty in the heat and I was worried about if I have a problem while we are at the park. On the off chance it was serious enough that I had to go to the hospital, I wanted to have my records to show the doctors.

I'm just not sure how often I should request a copy of my records. How do you guys do it? I'm kind of leaning towards asking if I could be sent a copy of each visit as the transcript is added to my records. But, I don't want to be a pain in the butt patient LOL

~Jess

[essdipity]

I ask for copies of everything. Sometime as the visit is occuring, sometimes I ask the nurse/receptionist as I'm leaving, as then the request is put on the cc distribution list. Sometimes I wait and call when I'm pretty sure the lab results or whatever are back.

For my neuro, I know his reports are transcribed within the week, so I call his secretary at that point. I don't, though, ask that it be made a policy to always send me whatever. That could get lost in the shuffle, and I'd have to call anyway.

I am always very polite and understanding, and after all, I'm entitled to this info, so I don't think it's being a pain in the butt. It's actually easier on the staff to ask for one specific item than to ask them to root around among reports you may or may not have seen, etc.

ess

[RedFlame]

Hi Jess,  I do the same as ess even though like you I am not yet diagnosed just a "....I think you have MS, it looks like you do, I need more evidence..."  
I get copies of everything,office visits, blood tests and all results of CT's, MRI's and all.  I always ask in a very polite fashion as well.  

lois

[tjj3761]

Hi,

These days, even hospital reports have a turnaround time of 48 hours and sometimes quicker.  

Today there is "voice recognition" in which produces your medical record even quicker.

You can request your hospital Medical Records at any time you wish.  

I have found though quite a few doctor's offices, of course, seem to charge you for the copies.  For about 6-8 pages, my ortho charged me $13, which I thought was ridiculous.

When I have a visit to the ER or whatever at the hospital, usually by the next day it is transcribed.  I know this because I've been a medical transcriptionist now for 30 years.

Bye....

terri

[lovemy6monkeys]

Terri,

I'm about to start courses for medical transcription :-)
As I was reading my records I was wincing over the typo's and 'He's' instead of 'She's' LOL

I think charging that much is crazy too!
~Jess

[Guitar_grrrl]

I usually get photocopies of everything.  My neuro still handwrites everything in the chart with my visits.  He offered to let me take my chart with me when I go to UCSF (LOL!).  He's totally old-school, and has a small office, no nurse, a secretary, and an accountant/billing coder.  No electronic records here.

[Csativa]

Jess,

I see my GP once per month for follow-up on a number of health issues.  The Family Practice I attend has a policy of presenting  patients with a copy of the progress note of that particular visit before you leave the office.  Doctors type the note during the visit.  It adds only a few extra minutes to the appointment time.

Also, I have about 8 other doctors that I see regularly. Obviously, I make sure that my GP get's copies of every progress note, procedure, etc. from other doctors/clinics.    Before I leave my GP's office, the nurse makes me copies of the most recent visit to any other physician.  It is alot of material and takes a little of organization, but it is well worth it.


Frank